While looking for a new photo print for our bedroom that was both large and affordable, I came across this crazy cool Mountains poster by one Debbie Carlos. I just had to have it, and how (!), so I messaged Debbie to make sure I could get it quickly. I’m about as patient as a spoiled kid on Christmas Eve. I also wanted it as part of a mini apartment facelift before our first wedding guest arrived. But mostly, I just wanted it now! Debbie turned out to be very accommodating. So sweet, in fact, that I thought, “Gee. I bet she’s a lovely, interesting person, and I sure would love to learn more about her and feature her gorgeous work on our blog.” So that’s what I did! Debbie kindly agreed to participate in our Maker’s Remarks series and has answered a few questions about her work, her life, and her inner crab.

Your photos seem to express a love of nature. How do you find things to shoot despite living in a big city?

I don’t often take pictures of the city itself, choosing to focus more on the home and the quiet surprising/beautiful moments that happen sometimes. But Chicago is great in terms of greenery. There are tons of parks and preserves within the city limits that I often shoot in. I also tend to take the most photographs when I’m traveling.

Do you have any current or upcoming creative projects that you’re excited about?

I’m collaborating on a project with my brother, who is an amazing graphic designer based out of Minneapolis. He designed the award winning catalog for Yves Klein’s traveling exhibition and is senior designer at the Walker Art Center so you know this is going to be good! We are finalizing the design and about to go into production. It should be making its debut at this year’s Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago!

You also have a food blog! Can you share one of your favorite recipes with us?

Since it is summer, I feel like I must share with you the recipe for Watermelon Shake! Its a take on a Mexican Agua Fresca but its name is a shout out to my Filipino background (we call our blended fruit drinks shakes even though there is no dairy in them).

Use about a 4:1 ratio of watermelon to water. Pulse in a blender and taste. If its too watery, add more watermelon or add water if mixture seems too stiff. Add a small pinch of salt and season with lime juice and sweetener to taste.

I feel like I always need to have a project going on. I think if I sit still for too long or if nothing is on the horizon, I get really anxious. I also think its really great and healthy to change it up a bit every once in awhile. If I get tired of working on photos, I know I can go and work on some jewelry. If I get tired of both, maybe I can go into the kitchen and have a cooking project. There are a lot of things that I’d like to be able to do that just don’t happen and thats ok and sometimes it does get overwhelming but I kind of wing it based on mood. Its always good to have something going on.

The past couple of weeks have been great ones for the Westervin inbox. One darling reader, Hollie Martin, wrote to give us a “thumbs up” for one of our past Daily Pretty posts. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear that people are inspired by what they see here. You know what, Hollie? I give you TWO thumbs up!

We also got some sweet thank you emails and comments from previously featured crafters Zyanya and Miss E. Elizabeth. Welcome new readers!

And in other exciting news, Westervin was cited on Design for Mankind! Long time reader and e-friend Lauren of Color Collective fame used a photo she saw on our blog for one of her guest posts. Congrats, Lauren, on your killer guest blogger series, and thanks a ton for representin’ the WE!

We’re famous now, right? If you want my autograph, you know where to find me…

Boy, have I got something special for you, my little english muffins. Something specialer than a baby mouse singing Christmas carols. Katherine (aka Miss Pompadour) is giving away a stone and crochet necklace — the very stunning necklace you see above — but it’s not just ANY necklace. Katherine designed this unique piece specifically for Westervin! Now isn’t that somethin’? The three stones are Sodalite, which are said to bring inner peace and harmony and help with communication. Katherine also used a sparkly silver thread and included a silver lobster claw closure. With all these special touches, this necklace is a $60 value. Well, what are you waiting for? Enter away! Oh, you’re waiting for the interview aren’t you…